Students will test various materials to determine if any can shield their "magnetometer" (compass) from an external magnetic field using their own experimental design. If no suitable material is available, they will devise another method to protect...(View More) their instrument. Includes background science for the teacher, worksheets, adaptations and extensions. Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are also identified.(View Less)

Students begin this activity by building a model of Earth’s magnetic field using a bar magnet to show Earth’s Ring current (the magnetic field which is in opposition to Earth’s magnetic field). Using this model, students will then observe the...(View More) response of a magnetic field to a fluctuating electrical current. The lesson includes teacher background information, worksheets, an answer key, extensions and resources.(View Less)

A caller on an automotive-themed radio program asked for help with a problem. It seems that when it rained her windshield wipers sometimes turned themselves on. How is this possible? This resource provides an explanation by exploring electrical...(View More) currents. This resource is from PUMAS - Practical Uses of Math and Science - a collection of brief examples created by scientists and engineers showing how math and science topics taught in K-12 classes have real world applications.(View Less)